Ambrose Ashbrook's life is upended when he finds an abandoned infant, whom he names Dotty (Dorothy). Ambrose is soon overwhelmed with caring for a young child when traveling overland to his sister's house (hoping she will help him find a good home for the baby). Another traveler, Mary Hayward, pities the stranger struggling with the child. So she helps him. At the next horse changing station, the other travelers band together to leave without the noisy baby, Mary, and Ambrose.
Mary feels the need to help Ambrose, but she hates the flattery that Ambrose flings about at will. She also sees his empty compliments for what they are. It doesn't take her long to confront Ambrose. However, these are Ambrose's defense mechanisms to keep people from learning one of his biggest secrets.
Mary has problems with her parents, who scrimp every penny to lavish everything on their second daughter. Because Lydia is attractive, they have pinned their hopes on her attracting a wealthy match who will help the family with his generosity. Meanwhile, Mary holds the household together. Finally, her parents have decided that Mary will not marry but will take care of them in their old age (however, she is the household drudge now, and it is all she can look forward to).
This is an engaging story that keeps the reader turning pages. However, I thought the early part of the story dragged. However, things moved faster once Lydia's fiancée arrived on the scene.
UPDATE (1/24) After rereading this book, I didn't think the story dragged. Now that I'm rereading this series in order, they feel like parts of a cohesive whole. This is a wonderful series.
Mary feels the need to help Ambrose, but she hates the flattery that Ambrose flings about at will. She also sees his empty compliments for what they are. It doesn't take her long to confront Ambrose. However, these are Ambrose's defense mechanisms to keep people from learning one of his biggest secrets.
Mary has problems with her parents, who scrimp every penny to lavish everything on their second daughter. Because Lydia is attractive, they have pinned their hopes on her attracting a wealthy match who will help the family with his generosity. Meanwhile, Mary holds the household together. Finally, her parents have decided that Mary will not marry but will take care of them in their old age (however, she is the household drudge now, and it is all she can look forward to).
This is an engaging story that keeps the reader turning pages. However, I thought the early part of the story dragged. However, things moved faster once Lydia's fiancée arrived on the scene.
UPDATE (1/24) After rereading this book, I didn't think the story dragged. Now that I'm rereading this series in order, they feel like parts of a cohesive whole. This is a wonderful series.
